EARLIER this year, industry experts predicted a stable property market with a slight upward trend. But soon after Malaysia’s historic GE14 of May 9, circumstances changed and public sentiment fluctuated.

The introduction of new policies together with the cancellation of several mega projects have affected the property market and impacted developers.

Acknowledging the tight market conditions currently, judges of the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor are nevertheless impressed by this year’s project entries.

“From the projects shown to us, we can see how developers are trying their best to meet the demand of customers by coming out with the best property specifications to satisfy house buyers,” said Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector Malaysia (PEPS) Johor branch vice-chairman Sr Mahayuddin Makmin.

On top of conducting detailed market research, developers have started incorporating environment- friendly designs and concepts in their projects.

“With great public transportation to connect places in Johor, for example from Iskandar Puteri to the suburbs of Kulai and Kempas, I am sure more professionals will be encouraged to move to down south,” he said.

Teo is eagerly awaiting the rapid- transit system (RTS) that will connect Johor and Singapore, and notes that the project could help in Johor’s growth.

“The vast potential of the JB market can be realised if our new federal government can come up with a friendly policy that will benefit the first- time house buyer as well as local and foreign investors,” he said.

Ngoh added that the local government could contribute by resolving the Singapore-JB Customs traffic jam, which would boost the Johor property market.

With over 12 categories being judged for The StarProperty Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor and one category for Best Choice as voted by the public, the judges had a hard time picking the winners.

“It will be close between the contestants, but I believe at the end of the day that those developers having the passion to deliver their promises to buyers and can ensure that the customers love their products, will receive the accolades,” said StarProperty Sdn Bhd assistant general manager Ernest Towle.

Acknowledging the fierce competition this year, Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) southern chapter chairman LAr Joharudin Samion added that eventually, the developers or projects that meet all the criteria listed by the organisers will rise above the rest.

StarProperty.my is giving out 100 copies of “Jewels of Johor: Johor’s Most Exceptional Development 2018/2019″ coffee table book. Register at bit.ly/2xUGbSy to be among the lucky recipients. Visit bit.ly/jewelsofjohor2018 to learn more about the awards.

Members of the public are invited to view the winning projects at the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor Showcase which will be held from Oct 16 to 21 (Tuesday to Saturday), 10am- 10pm, at Aeon Mall Tebrau City and Aeon Mall Bukit Indah, Johor Baru. Go to fair.starproperty.my for more information.